Cutting and wrapping machine

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an apparatus for wrapping shingled meat products with paper and then cutting the wrapped product in predetermined lengths. The shingled meat product is fed between two layers of wrapping paper and is then fed through a cutting mechanism which periodically moves at the speed of the fed paper and meat. A reciprocating blade on the cutting mechanism slices through the paper and meat at predetermined intervals leaving an individually wrapped portion ready to be stored or transported.

United States Patent Benson et al.

[4 June 13, 1972 5 CUTTING AND WRAPPING MACHINE 1,872,508 8/1932 Schutzet al. ..83/320 3,537,497 ll/l970 Dickow et a]... ....53/l23 X [72] Invn Erma! J n B k ley Heigh 3,455,770 7/1969 Dahl ..l56/522 X Charles G.Fischer, Norwalk, Conn.

Prima Eraminer-Travis S. McGehee [73] Assignee: Benson Equipment Co.,Inc., Berkeley Anomg, stefan l Klauber Heights, NJ, 1

[22] Filed: June 2, 1970 ABSTRACT 2 Appl- 2 1 This invention relates toan apparatus for wrapping shingled meat products with paper and thencutting the wrapped product in predetermined lengths. The shingled meatproduct [52] [1.8. CI ..53/123, 53/389, 83/320, is fed between twolayers of wrapping paper and is then fed 146/ 4 B through a cuttingmechanism which periodically moves at the [51] Int. Cl ..Bb 63/00 speedof the fed paper and meat. A reciprocating blade on the [58] Field ofSearch ..53/23, 123, 179; 146/94 B; cutting mechanism slices through thepaper and meat at 83/320; 156/522 predetermined intervals leaving anindividually wrapped portion ready to be stored or transported. [56]References C-lted 6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures UNITED STATES PATENTS2,384,492 9/1945 Rebechini ..53/23 71 34 50 2| 74 73 72 i0 o e 74 4o I74 75 32 I I I; a I 4| i I -i=:=

i [LAW a 24 3 27 j 25 93 35 ssq- 7 l I O 38 56- T0 CONTROL BOX APATENTEDJUM 13 I972 SHEET 1 0F 3 PATENTEDJun 13 I972 SHEET 3 BF 3 TOCONTROL BOX 90 I/IS CUTTING AND WRAPPING MACHINE This invention relatesto a time and labor saving apparatus for wrapping and cutting portionsof a food product.

This invention is especially suited for handling meat or other foodproducts which are delivered from a slicing or cutting machine in ashingled array. Although this invention may be used with food productsother than meats, for purposes of illustration this description willparticularly refer to the processing of steak meat which is used insteak sandwiches. The invention was evolved as a result of difficultiesin handling, wrapping and cutting steak meat used for steak sandwiches.It is recognized that theinvention may be used for wrapping and cuttingother food products and in fact the principles set forth herein may beapplied broadly to wrapping and cutting and need not be confined to thefood preparation field.

In various parts of the country, a hunger for steak sandwiches has madeitself known. These sandwiches are generally sold for about 1 dollar orless. In view of the high cost of top grade steak meat, the vendors ofsuch sandwiches usually use less expensive cuts of meat in the making ofthese sandwiches. It has been found that evenless expensive cuts of meatcan make an extremely tasty sandwich if the meat is prepared and cookedcorrectly. Experience has taught that the meat must be sliced thin andthen a number of the pieces may be fried together on a griddle with alittle cooking oil and onions etc. By using thin slices, the toughnessand coarseness of the less expensive cuts is entirely overcome and .theresulting cooked product has a distinctive character and taste all itsown. The sandwich is quick to prepare on a short order basis and is bothnourishing and highly enjoyable. The most popular form of the sandwichis served on an elongated bun which has been at least partially cutthrough to receive the cooked meat and any accompanying garnish, such asfried onions, peppers etc.

The nature of short order cooking requires that each individual portionbe separately packaged and ready for cooking so that the cook need notmake up portions as he goes along. The meat which forms the basis forthe steak sandwich is no exception. If the thinly sliced meat were notin separately wrapped, measured portions, then a cook would waste aconsiderable amount of time in separating slices, measuring amounts, andarranging the meat for cooking.

Heretofore individually wrapped and measured portions of the slicedsteak meat were prepared by hand in a time and labor wasting procedure,which will now be described. The meat was sliced in a slicing machineand then allowed to fall on a conveyor in a shingled array. A workerthen removed a predetermined number of slices from the conveyor and thenwrapped the slices in waxed paper which was precut to the desired size.Usually the meat slices were placed between two pieces of paper and thenstacked in a box or other shipping container. Generally the meat wasthen frozen for storage and delivery. This procedure required a workerto continuously man the conveyor and continuously remove a desirednumber of slices for wrapping. Obviously the speed of the operation wasdetermined by the worker and furthermore human error and fatigue oftenresulted in inaccuracy in the portions and a poorly wrapped and handledproduct.

The instant invention has substantially automated the measuring andwrapping phase of the above described operation. The invention works inconjunction with the conventional cutting machine and is adapted toreceive the shingled steak and then wrap it, cut it into desired portionlengths and then deliver the portions to packing or storing equipment.It has been found that by using the invention, the speed of the totaloperation can be increased greatly.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a laborsaving device suitable for use in the preparation of individual portionsof a food product.

Another object of the invention is to provide a wrapping and cuttingmachine which will supply individual wrapped portions of predeterminedlength.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cutting machine whichwill cut a product which is being fed to it continuously.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cutting mechanismwhich will cut .a continuously moving composite product, such as a meatproduct, between layers of waxed paper.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a wrapping mechanismwhich will continuously position wrapping material on opposite sides ofa continuously moving shingled product.

This invention has other objects and features of advantage, some ofwhich with the foregoing will be explained in the following descriptionof that form of the invention illustrated in the drawings. It isunderstood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment shown inthe drawing, but may be embodied in other forms as set forth in theclaims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly broken away of a wrapping andcutting machine constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view with parts omitted and partly broken away of themachine illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the drive for the conveyorbelts and the cutting head;

FIG. 4 is a further diagrammatic view illustrating the operation andpositioning of the cutter head and blade with respect to the conveyorbelts; and

FIG. 5 is an elevation of the cutter housing and assembly.

The overall configuration of the wrapping and cutting machine 10 isillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. An elongated rectangular framework 11 issupported by four legs 12. The legs are suitably braced by crossmembers13 which also serve as supports for the motor 14 and the drive gearassembly 15. The crossmember 13 also support the high pressure airinlet, regulators and gauge 16, which is used to supply air to an airactuated ram to be discussed below.

On the framework 11 there are mounted two conveyor systems indicated as20 and 21. System 20 is positioned at the inlet end of the machine. Itis adapted to accept food product from another conveying system 22 whichfor example might be associated with a slicing machine. The transitionbetween system 22 and 20 might be made over a plate 23, which wouldserve to support the food product between the systems. Conveyor system20 comprises an endless stainless steel wire conveyor 24 trained aroundsprocket wheels 25, 26 which are locked to shafts 27, 28. The shafts aremounted in bearings in the framework 1 1. Conveyor system 21 issimilarly made up of an endless wire belt 31 trained around sprockets32, 33 mounted on shafts 34, 35 which are in turn rotatably mounted inbearings in framework 11.

The drive for the conveyor systems is illustrated in FIG. 1. Motor 14drives a shaft 36 through a gear box 15. A sprocket 37 is mounted on theshaft and drives a chain 38 which is trained around sprockets 40, 41mounted on shafts 27 and 35. Sprockets 40 and 41 are of the same sizeand therefore the belt speed of belt 24 and belt 31 is the same.

Food product, which may be thinly sliced steaks in a shingled form,indicated as 50, passes from system 22 over plate 23 onto system 20. Itinitially passes under a gravity weighted roller 51 which is rotably andslidably mounted in supporting plates 52 affixed to framework 11. As theproduct passes under the roller it is also placed between layers ofwaxed paper 57, 58 or other suitable wrapping material. The paper isstored in rolls 53, 54 positioned on motor actuated shafts. The motors55, 56 are actuated by trip levers 60, 61 which are pivotally mounted onan arm 62, which also serves to support the rolls 53, 54. The arm 62extends above and below the framework 1 1 and is suitably boltedthereto. The levers 60, 61 are spring loaded to return to a normalposition and are actuated by a predetermined increase in the tension ofthe paper feed.

The levers actuate solenoids 55a, 56a which in turn actuate the motorsfor driving the shafts 55 and 56. The motors are constant speed and areactuated periodically by the levers to maintain a continuous supply ofpaper to the conveyor system. Each motor operates independently anddepends on actuation by its lever. When the tension decreases in thepaper feed, the spring loaded lever returns to its off position and thepaper feed motor stops. As indicated in FIG. 1 the paper 57 and 58 isalso fed under the roller 51 and sandwiches the meat 50. The wrappedproduct is then transported by the conveyor toward the area of thecutting mechanism 70. An additional roller 71 may be positioned over theconveyor 20 just before the cutting mechanism to insure that the layersof paper and meat are held tightly together immediately before thecutting operation.

Between the sprockets and 26, the belt 24 is supported by two elongatedflat members 72 having a Teflon or other suitable surface 73. These flatmembers are supported by cross members 74 connected to framework 11.System 21 has a comparable support system for the belt.

After the paper layers and the meat pass through the cutting mechanism70 they are again supported by a conveyor system 21 which delivers themto the next step in the overall production process. This may take theform of another conveyor 75 or a stacking machine.

A description of the operation and structure of the cutting mechanismwill now be given. The cutting mechanism is made up principally of amoveable cutter housing 80 which supports and guides a verticallyreciprocating cutter assembly 81. As shown in FIG. 2 the housing 80extends across the framework 11 and is positioned between the conveyors20 and 21. The housing 80 is preferably formed from a single aluminumcasting having cylinder like end members 82, 83 which have been drilledout to accept guide shafts 84, 85. The shaft 84 is mounted on lugs 86,87 which are formed as part of the control box 90. The control box isaffixed to the frame 11 by bolting and its function and content will bediscussed below. The shaft 85 is mounted on lugs 91, 92 which are partof the housing 93 covering the sprockets 40, 41. The end member 82 islonger than the end member 83 and is provided with a surface 95 which iscontacted by a return spring 96 positioned around the shaft 84 betweenthe surface 95 and the lug 86. Note that when the housing 80 is moved tothe left in FIG. 2 it will compress the spring 96. The size and strengthof the spring 96 is chosen to provide a prompt and reliable springreturn operatron.

The housing 80 is formed with a vertically arranged opening to accept acutter assembly 81. This assembly is positioned between sliding surfaceswhich are formed by, for example, Teflon blocks 100, 101 which are fixedin the housing. Adjusting screws 102, 103 which pass through supportingplates 104, 105 are used to adjust the pressure applied by the Teflonblocks and thus provide for wear take up. The plates are bolted to thehousing 80.

An elevational view of the cutter housing and assembly is shown in FIG.5. Both take the form of window like elements and are formed in this wayso that the wrapped food product can pass through the housing and theassembly. Bolted to the upper part of the cutter assembly is a stainlesssteel serrated blade 106. As the assembly is reciprocated in a verticaldirection, the blade moves up and down past the product being cut. Theblade passes in close proximity to a contiguous cutting surface 107 onthe housing. This last mentioned surface serves to support the productto be cut as it leaves this conveyor system 20 and keeps it atapproximately the same level. It also provides the surface against whichthe blade 106 acts and thus the cutting action takes place between theblade 106 and the surface 107 in a scissor like action. If the surface107 were not provided the blade 106 would merely drive the product to becut downwardly and proper cutting would not take place. In the preferredembodiment the blade 106 is both angled to provide a scissor like actionand serrated with a plurality of sharp points to provide manyperforations in the waxed paper, from which perforations the actualcutting starts. It is well known that waxed paper is especiallydifficult to cut and this cutting difficulty is compounded when twolayers of the paper are used to sandwich a layer of meat etc. Byarranging the cutter assembly in the housing as described above areliable cutting operation has been achieved. It has been found thatafter prolonged operation, the blade may wear down and it may then beeither adjusted by its mounting bolts to tighten up the clearance or itmay be replaced.

The cutter assembly is moved vertically by means of a two way pneumaticram 110, the ram being mounted on the housing for movement therewith.The ram operates a shaft 111 which is connected to the assembly 81. Theshaft passes through an opening 112 which has been drilled in thehousing 80. When the ram is actuated to drive the shaft 111 downwardlyit serves to force the blade 106 in a downward direction through theproduct and past the surface 107. Once the cutting has been completedthe ram is actuated to force the shaft 111 and the assembly 81 upwardlyto its uppermost position. The control system for the ram will bediscussed below. The ram may be powered by other means such as ahydraulic or an electrical system however air is preferred, since it isclean, cheap and usually available in meat plants. The air linesindicated by 113, 114 are connected to a two position control valveassembly 115, which is controlled by solenoids 116, 117. The actuationof the ram 110 and its relationship to the movement of the cutterhousing 80 will now be discussed. The control valve assembly is shownadjacent to the ram in FIG. 5 for purposes of illustration. Normally thecontrol valve assembly is located on the lower frame 13 as shown in FIG.1.

Since the product to be cut is being fed continuously through thecutting mechanism 70, it was found necessary to provide a cuttingmechanism which would move along with the product at the same speed. Ifa stationary cutter were used, the product would pile up while thecutting action was taking place. The housing 80 is periodically movedalong with the product at the same speed by means ofa linear cam whichis rotatably mounted on shaft 27. The cam is designed so that it drivesthe housing 80 to the left in FIG. 2 at the same speed as the product.The cam acts against a cam follower 121 mounted on the housing. When theforward movement and the cutting action is completed, the spring 96returns the housing 80 to the right in FIG. 2. The cam is cut so as toprovide for a rapid return of the housing 80 under the spring force 96.It has been found that a single spring is sufficient to move the housingin the desired manner. If desired, another spring could be positioned onshaft 85 adjacent lug 91 to act against the housing. Care must be takenhowever not to use a spring force which will slam the housing back. Thistype of action is not desired since it causes excess wear of parts andis too noisey. In order to more clearly describe the workings of theactuating mechanism for the cam 120 and the ram 110, reference may behad to the schematic showing in FIG. 3 of the drawing. The referencenumerals applied previously are also applied to FIG. 3. Shafts 27 and 35are fixed to sprockets 40 and 41 respectively and are driven thereby inthe same direction of rotation. These shafts drive sprockets which drivethe belts in the directions indicated.

Cam 120 is fixed on a hub 122 which is rotatably mounted on shaft 27.The hub is provided with a sprocket 123 which if rotated causes the huband associated cam to rotate about the shaft 27 and thus cause thecutter housing to slide forward. Positioned in close proximity to shaft27 is another shaft 125. A sprocket 126 is fixed to this shaft and asuitable endless chain is trained around the sprockets 126 and 123. Therotation of shaft is in turn controlled by an electrically controlledclutch 127 and brake 128. The driving force for shaft 125 is providedthrough belt 130 trained around a hub as sociated with the clutchmechanism and a pulley 131 fixed to shaft 35. If the clutch is actuatedand the brake is off the shaft 125 will rotate and if the brake isengaged and the clutch disengaged it will prevent the rotation of theshaft 125. The mechanism for actuating these elements will now bedescribed. Fixed to shaft 27 is a pulley 132 which drives a timing belt133 trained around another pulley 134 fixed to a shaft 135. A cam 136 ismounted on the shaft 135 and rotates therewith. The cam actuates anelectrical switch 136 which their details of construction are not partof the instant invention they will not be described in detail. Both theclutch and brake are items which are readily available from a number ofcommercial sources.

it is apparent that the ratio of the pulley sizes 132, 134 determinesthe frequency of movement of the cutter housing 80 and thus the cuttinginterval of the apparatus. A one to one ratio results in a cut for eachrevolution of shaft 27. A one to two ratio would result in two cuts forevery revolution of shaft 27. The length of cut depends also on thecircumference of the belt drive sprockets 40, 41. Thus by varying theratio of the pulleys 132, 134 any desired length of out can be obtained.

Cam 140 is attached to shaft 125 and serves to actuate switch 141 uponthe completion of one revolution of shaft 125. The switch 141 thenreleases the clutch 127 and engages the brake 128. During this onerevolution of shaft 125, the cutter housing 80 is moved forward underthe action of cam 120 and back to its rest position under the action ofspring 96. As mentioned above the cam 120 is cut so that the housing 80moves at the speed of the product. During the forward movement, cam 140actuates switch 142 which is connected to and in turn controls thesolenoids 116, 117 which actuate the ram 110 and then returns the ram toits normally raised position. The details of the switch structure formsno part of this invention and therefore no elaborate description need begiven. These devices are available commercially. The cutting action ofthe blade 106 therefore takes place as the cutter housing is movingforward with the product to be cut. Substantially all of the brake,clutch, cam and shaft structure is located in the control box 90. Thisbox also contains controls for starting and stopping the drive motor 14.Preferably motor 14 is a variable speed motor so that belt speed can bevaried to obtain the desired performance from the machine. In order tosimplify this illustration the electrical connections between theswitches, solenoids, clutch, brake and power source are not shown indetail.

It is also within the scope of this invention to provide a means to varythe length of cut by means of a suitable control, such as a dial, on thecontrol box 90. Thus instead of using a timing belt trained aroundpulleys 132 and 134 any suitable multi-speed transmission could be usedto connect shaft 27 with shaft 135 and thus allow the speed of shaft 135to be changed as desired by the operator.

In the event the cutting mechanism is reciprocated at high speed, it maybe found that the spring 96 is unable to return the mechanism quicklyenough. If this occurs the function of the spring may be replaced byproviding a cam 120 which will not only drive the mechanism to the left,as shown in FIG. 3, but which will also serve to move the mechanism tothe right. This can be accomplished by placing the cam in a camfollower.

FIG. 4 illustrates in schematic form the relative movement of the cutterhousing and of the cutter blade.

Although only certain and specific embodiments of the present inventionare shown, it is to be expressly understood that many modifications arepossible without departing from the true spirit of the invention.

What we claim is:

1. An apparatus for cutting product into predetermined lengthscomprising first conveyor means adapted to carry the product at adesired speed, a second conveyor means spaced from said first means, andadapted to receive product from said first conveyor means, cutting meansat least partially positioned between said first and second conveyormeans, said cutting means having supporting means for supporting theproduct as it passes from the first conveyor means to the secondconveyor means, means to periodically move said cutting means in thedirection of movement of said product and at substantially the speed ofthe product, said cutting means having a cutting blade and actuatingmeans to move said blade through said product while said cutting meansis moving with the product, means to apply at least one layer ofwrapping material to one side of the product as it transits said firstconveyor means, and automatic feed means to continuously supply thewrapping material to the product, said feed means including tensionresponsive means to detect an insufficient supply of wrapping materialand a motor driven supply spool storing said wrapping material, saidtension responsive means serving to actuate said motor driven supplyspool upon detecting an insufficient supply of wrapping material.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising guide means onwhich said cutting means is mounted for reciprocating movement, saidmeans to move said cutting means including a cam which is periodicallyactuated to move said cutting means on said guide means and springreturn means on said guide means to return said cutting means followingmovement by said cam, said blade being mounted for verticalreciprocation to effect said cutting, and said actuating meanscomprising a ram for effecting said reciprocation of said blade inresponse to timing signals provided thereto, and further includingsecond cam means timed in accordance with the advance of said product,for providing said timing signals.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 in which said blade is serratedand angled with respect to the product so that the product is cutinitially at one edge thereof, said serrations causing perforations insaid product from which perforations the cutting progresses.

4. An apparatus for cutting product into predetermined lengthscomprising first conveyor means adapted to carry the product at adesired speed, a second conveyor means spaced from said first means, andadapted to receive product from said first conveyor means, cutting meansat least partially positioned between said first and second conveyormeans, said cutting means having supporting means for supporting theproduct as it passes from the first conveyor means to the secondconveyor means, means to periodically move said cutting means in thedirection of movement of said product and at substantially the speed ofthe product, said cutting means having a cutting blade and actuatingmeans to move said blade through said product while said cutting meansis moving with the product, means to apply layers of wrapping materialto two sides of the product as it transits said first conveyor means,and automatic feed means to continuously supply the wrapping material tothe product, said feed means including tension responsive means todetect an insufficient supply of wrapping material and motor drivensupply spools storing said wrapping material, said tension responsivemeans serving to actuate said motor driven supply stools upon detectingan insufi'rcient supply of wrapping material.

5. An apparatus for cutting product into predetermined lengthscomprising first conveyor means adapted to carry the product at adesired speed, a second conveyor means spaced from said first means, andadapted to receive product from said first conveyor means, cutting meansat least partially positioned between said first and second conveyormeans, said cutting means having supporting means for supporting theproduct as it passes from the first conveyor means to the secondconveyor means, means to periodically move said cutting means in thedirection of movement of said product and at substantially the speed ofthe product, said cutting means having a cutting blade and actuatingmeans to move said blade through said product while said cutting meansis moving with the product, means to apply layers of wrapping materialto two sides of the product as it transits said first conveyor means,and means to feed the product to the first convcyor means in a shingledarray, said wrapping material being applied to both sides of saidshingled array and means to compress said wrapping material and productprior to it being cut.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 in which said cutting blade actsin conjunction with said supporting means so as to out said product in ascissor-like action.

1. An apparatus for cutting product into predetermined lengthscomprising first conveyor means adapted to carry the product at adesired speed, a second conveyor means spaced from said first means, andadapted to receive product from said first conveyor means, cutting meansat least partially positioned between said first and second conveyormeans, said cutting means having supporting means for supporting theproduct as it passes from the first conveyor means to the secondconveyor means, means to periodically move said cutting means in thedirection of movement of said product and at substantially the speed ofthe product, said cutting means having a cutting blade and actuatingmeans to move said blade through said product while said cutting meansis moving with the product, means to apply at least one layer ofwrapping material to one side of the product as it transits said firstconveyor means, and automatic feed means to continuously supply thewrapping material to the product, said feed means including tensionresponsive means to detect an insufficient supply of wrapping materialand a motor driven supply spool storing said wrapping material, saidtension responsive means serving to actuate said motor driven supplyspool upon detecting an insufficient supply of wrapping material.
 2. Anapparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising guide means on whichsaid cutting means is mounted for reciprocating movement, said means tomove said cutting means including a cam which is periodically actuatedto move said cutting means on said guide means and spring return meanson said guide means to return said cutting means following movement bysaid cam, said blade being mounted for vertical reciprocation to effectsaid cutting, and said actuating means comprising a ram for effectingsaid reciprocation of said blade in response to timing signals providedthereto, and further including second cam means timed in accordance withthe advance of said product, for providing said timing signals.
 3. Anapparatus as defined in claim 2 in which said blade is serrated andangled with respect to the product so that the product is cut initiallyat one edge thereof, said serrations causing perforations in saidproduct from which perforations the cutting progresses.
 4. An apparatusfor cutting product into predetermined lengths comprising first conveyormeans adapted to carry the product at a desired speed, a second conveyormeans spaced from said firSt means, and adapted to receive product fromsaid first conveyor means, cutting means at least partially positionedbetween said first and second conveyor means, said cutting means havingsupporting means for supporting the product as it passes from the firstconveyor means to the second conveyor means, means to periodically movesaid cutting means in the direction of movement of said product and atsubstantially the speed of the product, said cutting means having acutting blade and actuating means to move said blade through saidproduct while said cutting means is moving with the product, means toapply layers of wrapping material to two sides of the product as ittransits said first conveyor means, and automatic feed means tocontinuously supply the wrapping material to the product, said feedmeans including tension responsive means to detect an insufficientsupply of wrapping material and motor driven supply spools storing saidwrapping material, said tension responsive means serving to actuate saidmotor driven supply stools upon detecting an insufficient supply ofwrapping material.
 5. An apparatus for cutting product intopredetermined lengths comprising first conveyor means adapted to carrythe product at a desired speed, a second conveyor means spaced from saidfirst means, and adapted to receive product from said first conveyormeans, cutting means at least partially positioned between said firstand second conveyor means, said cutting means having supporting meansfor supporting the product as it passes from the first conveyor means tothe second conveyor means, means to periodically move said cutting meansin the direction of movement of said product and at substantially thespeed of the product, said cutting means having a cutting blade andactuating means to move said blade through said product while saidcutting means is moving with the product, means to apply layers ofwrapping material to two sides of the product as it transits said firstconveyor means, and means to feed the product to the first conveyormeans in a shingled array, said wrapping material being applied to bothsides of said shingled array and means to compress said wrappingmaterial and product prior to it being cut.
 6. An apparatus as definedin claim 3 in which said cutting blade acts in conjunction with saidsupporting means so as to cut said product in a scissor-like action.